Biography and testimonials

I am the only secular Humanist Celebrant (Officiant) to offer wedding ceremonies in the Greater Yellowstone region - specifically Jackson Hole and close areas. The weddings and other life events at which I officiate are for the non-religious or those who find their spirituality more aligned with secular humanist values. I am a member of the American Humanist Association and my ordainment as secular clergy comes through an affiliated organization – The Humanist Society. Please see my certificate and letter of appointment from the Humanist Society.

My journey to becoming a humanist clergy, and therefore finding meaning in helping others celebrate occasions, such as weddings, funerals, coming of age, births, is covered in the 75th issue of The Humanistmagazine, Jan/Feb 2016. See my article here.

About Humanist Celebrants: Humanist Society Celebrants are Clergy since the Society was chartered in 1939 as a religious organization, in order to allow its people the ability to perform weddings and other ceremonies. When Certified by the Humanist Society, Humanist Celebrants gained the same legal status in all 50 states that clergy of "traditional faiths" enjoy. Any regulations or stipulations regarding registration as clergy that applies to them also applies to Humanist Celebrants.

Celebration of Life is central to a meaningful humanist philosophy, and Humanist Celebrants officiate significant celebrations vital to humanist life.

Testimonials

We are extremely happy with married life and with your services! I was extremely nervous doing everything sight unseen but we were so happy with ceremony and with the location you suggested. You truly made it easy and memorable. Penny and Jerry, August 8, 2018

Hamish was delightful and easy to work with while we coordinated our Grand Teton elopement from afar. His kindness, sincerity, and professionalism made him a great fit when we were both terribly nervous the day of our ceremony. He was also quite the problem solver when something didn't go exactly as planned. We are very satisfied with our experience and highly recommend his services. Patrick and Catherine, August 16, 2018

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words at our ceremony. You made it so memorable for us on our special day. We especially liked your calm demeanor, gentle voice and sincere mannerism. We appreciated the sincerity from which you proceeded in all of our interactions, from the first phone call to the final ceremony. Thanks again for being a part of our lives in this special event! Brad and Evelyn, July 3 2018

I’m Glad we came across Hamish for Our wedding/ elopement. What a valuable service he provides for those who need Him. Offering a simple and elegant service, uncomplicated in a complicated world. He is the most pleasant and nicest person you will come across. In our case a simple elopement in the most beautiful setting on earth. The Grand Tetons, at an honest fair rate that represents the common man. Thank you so much Hamish, Rochelle and Rose (whom Hamish provided as witnesses)…a pleasure to meet you. Robert and Miriam May 15 2018

Choosing Hamish as our officiant was one of the best choices we could have made for our intimate elopement in Wyoming. He was extremely helpful in deciding on a location to host our ceremony in Grand Teton National Park, he was knowledgeable regarding the area and permit requirements, and he was prompt in answering any and all of our questions - no matter how big or small. We are so grateful that we were able to share our wedding day with him, as he was incredibly thoughtful, courteous and always professional. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! Jazmine and Joshua, May 8, 2018

Thank You so much for a wonderful ceremony! We could not have picked a better officiant for our beliefs and wedding ceremony vows. We wanted a non religious but absolutely spiritual event and you did exactly that. Thank you for coming to the location and enduring the excruciating cold! We will remember the day forever.Cristina & Attila February 22, 2018

Thank you so much for closing the loop and for being such a lovely part of our ceremony. You were exactly what we hoped for in your tone and delivery. It was such a pleasure to work with you.John and Liz, September 23, 2017

Just a brief word of heart-felt gratitude to you. We are so grateful to have been lucky enough to have you share in our marriage and wonderful memories. It truly was a pleasure meeting you, and even better, to know you remain a part of this very special day in our lives. With much appreciation, respect, and love, Julie and Harlan, September 7, 2017

Hamish was very helpful in our elopement ceremony. This was a destination wedding for us so we were not 100% of area and requirements. Hamish was able to help us with all of the various pieces. He was very accommodating and responsive. Our actual ceremony was delightful and we could not have been happier. We felt special and not like "just another couple" which I think is a gift. We ultimately felt like we were interacting with a friend. Ann and Trent, October 27, 2017

Hamish was a phenomenal officiant for our wedding ceremony in Jackson Wyoming last December. My only regret is in taking so long to actually review his services. He made himself available on extremely short notice, two days after Christmas! We had a very small elopement ceremony in the snow by the creek, and it was just perfect. We can highly and enthusiastically recommend Hamish for anyone interested and concerned. Will & Zoryana Hoyman 12/27/16

Thank you so much for closing the loop and for being such a lovely part of our ceremony. You were exactly what we hoped for in your tone and delivery. It was such a pleasure to work with you. So sorry that we left the balance hanging (we'd actually forgotten about it!) but we will drop a check in the mail first thing tomorrow when we're home unless you'd prefer an electronic or otherwise way of paying. Liz and John, Sept 22, 2017

Thank you for all you did for us! We all agreed that the ceremony couldn't have been more perfect in any way. It was exactly as we had imagined it and hoped that it would be. That's in no small part because of you and the excellent ceremony you helped us create. We truly appreciate it and would highly recommend working with you. You did everything you said that you would do, when you said that you would. We couldn't have asked for more. Teresa and Joe, September 12, 2017

Thanks again for your flexibility with everything on our wedding day! We really appreciate you going above and beyond to assist us in finding the perfect location, and ensuring that everything went smoothly on the day of the event. It was a pleasure having you as our officiant, and the ceremony was exactly what we envisioned. We would highly recommend you to others searching in the Jackson area. Brian and Julie. September, 2017

We've decided not to get married after all, so it looks like we won’t be needing your services. I wrote to several people and had a number of nice responses, but yours was by the far the most comprehensive, thorough and helpful – thank you so much, it was much appreciated. Phil and Doug, September 2017

We really enjoyed your laid-back, calm attitude in such a stressful day. Your patience and kindness was very refreshing and we enjoyed your positive energy. Thank you for making our day very special and helping us feel relaxed. You did an amazing job and I would recommend you to anyone getting married in WY. Angelina and James August 7, 2017

Our wedding day was the most beautiful we could have hoped for, and Hamish's guidance in everything from location to logistics to our wedding vows was most valuable. He spoke well and clearly during our ceremony - coaching a little when we needed it - and even providing a handkerchief for me to wipe my tears of joy. I thoroughly recommend Hamish for your wedding. Anthony and Mary, August 30, 2017

Hamish's manner throught had a calming influence on our very nervous selves. His help from first contact was most reassuring and his delivery during the ceremony was confident and charming, and his slight Scottish accent helped that along. Emily and Alex, August 19, 2017

Thank you again for making our wedding a once-in-a-lifetime event like no other and for being a part of it. Kristina and Martin (Czech Republic), August 22 2017

Hamish set the landscape for a wonderful wedding for us...literally and figuratively. His understanding of the marriage license process saved us time the day of, his recommendation for location overlooking the Teton Mountain Range was stunning, and simply put, there was no stress making the day that much more special! Thanks Hamish. Bill and Michele, July 5 2017

We can't thank you enough for officiating our marriage, and for being so flexible around our plans - you really helped us to make this happen. Jennifer and Huw, August 23, 2017

Hamish was a great officiant for our wedding. He responded quickly to communication over email and phone calls to help us plan. I appreciated his willingness to be accommodating to wedding location and time. We had a morning wedding and he showed up early and dressed professionally. Hamish helped to provide options on the vows and details of the ceremony which was perfect; he also helped to finalize the paperwork with the town offices. I would strongly recommend him for as an officiant for a wedding. 'M' and 'T' August 18, 2017

Hamish was excellent in every way. His clear delivery, his eye contact, his confidence, enthusiasm for us, and easy manner were all just perfect. Angie and Jim, August 7, 2017

Thanks again for your flexibility with everything on our wedding day! We really appreciate you going above and beyond to assist us in finding the perfect location, and ensuring that everything went smoothly on the day of the event. It was a pleasure having you as our officiant, and the ceremony was exactly what we envisioned. We would highly recommend you to others searching in the Jackson area. Brian and Julie, July 29 2017

Hamish was very organized and guided us through the process. He was pleasant, relaxed and friendly, making us feel quite comfortable. We had planned to write our own vows, but his sample vows were just right, so we chose one of those. He allowed us the freedom of incorporating something a little different into the ceremony We were pleased we chose Hamish to be our officiant. Cindy and Doug, July 17, 2017

My wife and I opted for a casual elopement during a recent trip to Yellowstone/Grand Teton area. After reading some testimonials and checking out Hamish's site, we decided that he was the best fit for what we were looking for. Hamish made the experience quite simple and streamlined due to our being from out of state. He made sure to keep us apprised of the things we would need to have with us prior to our trip so we could make certain to bring them or allot the time to acquire them (marriage license). He was always quick to respond to any correspondence, which was quite nice since we would think of things at the most random of times. Once we got to the actual ceremony, he was kind enough to provide us with the necessary two witnesses. He also was able to keep the ceremony short, sweet, and casual. He offered suggestions for where to conduct it, since neither of us had any familiarity with the area. We were both very grateful for everything that Hamish did for us on and leading up to our special day. Ryan and Brittany, July, 2017

My fiance and I hired Hamish for our end of June wedding at Schwabacher's Landing in Jackson, WY. We were looking for a simple non religious ceremony and Hamish was the perfect match. He was polite and responsive to any questions we had before the wedding and worked with us to customize the wedding ceremony to our needs. I would recommend Hamish to anyone in need of an officiant for their wedding. Adam and Sommer, June, 2017

Hamish recently performed our wedding ceremony in Grand Teton National Park. From suggesting the location to providing guidance on proper procedure for obtaining a license, Hamish was more than just our officiant. He helped create the ceremony that we envisioned from the outset. He was responsive, personable and professional. Our ceremony was very intimate and personal, and Hamish will always be a part of that treasured memory for the rest of our lives. Zach and Katie, June, 2017

Thank you so much for all your help with putting together our day, it was absolutely perfect and simple and your blessing will stay with us forever. We are glad we had someone who appreciates and loves the outdoors as much as we do. You were very helpful, welcoming and loving and we felt like we've known you for longer than we have. Thanks again for putting together a lovely ceremony and making us feel very special! Maisie and Ethan, June, 2017

Hamish was very knowledgeable in guiding us through the marriage process and ensuring that we were ready for our special day. The weather was not working in our favor on our wedding day and thankfully he was able to be flexible with his time. Thank you Hamish! Carie and John, May 2017

We are so happy to have chosen Hamish as the officiant for our wedding. He made sure we were prepared and knew what we needed to do prior and during the ceremony. He was very attentive to the details which make a huge difference to the smooth running of the ceremony. He was always available to answer our questions and help with the most important words we would ever say to each other. He arrived on time, was friendly to our guests and presented really well. We definitely recommend Hamish. Victoria and Tony, March 2017

The wedding was perfect - the whole family loved Hamish's careful delivery and he was so helpful during the whole planning process. He let us know this would be his first same-sex marriage, but that didn't phase him at all. Hamish was very affordable and quick to respond with any questions or needs.Natalie and Deidre, February 2017

We gave Hamish three day's notice and he was immediately available and attending to our wedding officiant needs. He gave us advice about vows, getting married in Teton County and persuaded us to bring rings, where we had thought them unnecessary. We're so glad he talked about that - and we're so glad we used Hamish to officiate at our wedding. Chelsea and Cassidy, January 2017

Thank you for such a beautiful ceremony. Erin and Mark, December 2016

Leading up to our wedding, Hamish helped us arrange our ceremony, declarations of love, and coached us through writing our own wedding vows. He was such a wonderful resource for guiding us through this process. When we arrived at Hamish's office on our wedding day, we embraced him as though we'd known him forever, even though it was our first meeting.. Our wedding ceremony was intimate, giggly, fun and so special. I appreciate so much that Hamish provided a space for us to be ourselves, to not take things so seriously, and yet still honoring our marriage as very sacred. I am so grateful that Hamish will forever be part of this blissful memory." Chelsea and Jeremy, December, 2016

"My husband and I just returned from the most spectacularly romantic and fun elopement wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. - and we owe so much oof our experience to Hamish Tear. I reached out to Hamish for the first time to inquire about his services back in March, well ahead of our proposed December wedding. Not only was hamish quick to respond, but he was also very curious to learn more about us, our story, our vision for our ceremony and the style of wedding we wanted. He was most accommodating to our desires, and gave us all the instructions we needed to file for our marriage license. When I told Hamish that we were eloping without witnesses, he arranged for his wife and a friend to witness the ceremony for us.

"Thank you so much for officiating our spontaneous little wedding. I think everything was quite beautiful." Will and Zoryana, December 2016

"Thank you for your help. It was great and my family also thought you were great, and very funny.""Very thoughtful and communicates throughout. Did all of my wishes and addressed an interfaith wedding beautifully as we asked. Very fast on filing the certificate so we could pick it up the next day. Great guy!"Brent and Stacey, December 2016

"We really enjoyed Hamish's officiating services. My husband and I eloped and planned a small wedding in just three days! Hamish was attentive and helpful from the very first phone call until we said "I Do". We loved his quick, intimate and personal ceremony. With Hamish, you have the option of writing your own vows or choosing from several formats, which he edits to fit whatever is best for you and your honey! Thanks Hamish - it was perfect." Tara and Eric, October 2016

"My partner and I had a small outdoor elopement, and we were so pleased with the responsive service and the beautiful ceremony that Hamish Tear provided. We were in good hands." Lisa and Stacy. October 2016

I have had the opportunity to work with Hamish as he officiated weddings I was hired to photograph. We've worked together on several occasions. I was very impressed by Hamish’s professional dress and ease of conduct during the ceremony. He is detailed in the planning and officiating of the ceremony, as well as the paperwork that accompanies a marriage. The ceremonies are secular/non-religious and have a very natural flow to them. The elopements I’ve witnessed him perform are earthy, authentic, genuine, and intimate. I highly, and happily, recommend Hamish to all my inquiries as my officiant of choice to work with. You will be pleased with your experience with Hamish as your officiant." Janelle Andersen, Wedding Photographer, August 2016"Thank you so very much for your kindness, advice and flexible, speedy responses. You made the process so simple and our big day so wonderful."Melissa and Randy, August 2016

"Once more, thank you so much for all you have done! We appreciate your efforts, thoroughness and thoughtful actions." Jordan and Mary Grace, August 2016

"Thank you again. The Ceremony was perfect and the trip unforgettable. It was a beautiful day and you made it great!" Justyn and Justyn. August 2016

"We found Yellowstone Secular Services through an online search and were happy to see that Hamish was also on the list of officiants given out by the Teton County Clerks office. Choosing Hamish for our elopement ceremony was a no-brainer after he replied to our inquiry- he was pleasant, accommodating, and genuine, when some of the other officiants we contacted seemed to not want to be bothered. We live on the east coast and were so thankful for the extra care we received in the wedding planning process. Hamish scouted several possible ceremony locations and made suggestions. He even recommended our photographer, who was also a perfect fit for us. When our wedding day came, everything went so smoothly. It couldn't have been easier. Hamish was early and just so kind and welcoming and easy to be around. Our morning ceremony was short, sweet, and in one of the most beautiful spots in the country- exactly what we wanted. We felt like we were being truly taken care of- that we weren't just another client in a busy week. All of this was accomplished with only six weeks of planning." Erin and Joshua, July 2016

"Hamish was the perfect officiant for our wedding. He was a relaxed and fun person to have around, and at the same time, he was very detail oriented and made sure all the arrangements went smoothly. Very professional! He helped up find the perfect setting, along the river with the snow-capped Tetons soaring behind us. Before the wedding I was unsure as to how to plan a ceremony from scratch and Hamish provided us with many ideas and options. He was very responsive by email, phone, and in person to our questions. I can't recommend him highly enough! Thank you Hamish!" Susan and Mauricio, July 2016

"We eloped in Jackson, WY in May 2016. From the moment we contacted Hamish, he was extremely helpful in providing us with information and ideas for our special day and he was always prompt in responding to our queries. When it came to the actual day Hamish's friendly and professional approach made us both feel comfortable and relaxed. He did everything he could to make our day just as we had hoped. We are so pleased Hamish was part of our day and we would highly recommend him! Thank you Hamish!" Sylvie and Brett, May 25 2016

"All of your pre-wedding day help made organizing the whole thing so much easier. The ceremony was just as we wanted and we will always have fond memories of you being part of our day." Lihi and Charles March 25, 2016

Hamish was genuinely pleased to help us on our journey towards marriage. He was kind, open-minded, and invested in customizing a ceremony to our liking. We especialy appreciated his availability on such short notice. He was committed to helping us with the unique nature of our wedding. Anonymous eloping couple, February 26, 2016